Excellent Improvement (excellent + improvement)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Mechanical Behaviour of Internal Reinforced Aluminium Foams,

ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 11 2007
E. Solórzano
The paper presents a new way to improve the mechanical behaviour of aluminum based foams produced by the powder metallurgical (PM) route; the method is based on the use of internal reinforcements. These reinforcements allow an excellent improvement of the mechanical response in compression, tension and bending all at the same time. The produced samples have showed an excellent reproducibly in their mechanical response. [source]


Wilson's disease with superimposed autoimmune features: Report of two cases and review

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 5 2000
Piotr Milkiewicz
Abstract We describe two females, 15 and 23 years old, respectively, who presented with classical features of Wilson's disease (WD) and several features of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The first patient was initially diagnosed as AIH and treated with prednisolone which caused clinical improvement, with an increase of serum albumin from 22 to 30 g/L, and a decrease of aspartate aminotransferase from 103 to 47 U/L. Subsequent diagnosis of WD and introduction of penicillamine gave excellent improvement and complete normalization of liver function tests. The second patient, at first also diagnosed as having AIH, was treated with steroids and azathioprine with initial improvement, but subsequent deterioration. The diagnosis of WD was made 2 years after initial diagnosis of AIH, as the patient reached end-stage liver disease and required a transplant. Therefore, d -penicillamine treatment was not attempted. We conclude that, in patients with AIH, a thorough screening for WD is necessary, particularly when the response to steroid therapy is poor. Conversely, in patients suffering from WD with superimposed features of AIH, a combination of steroids and penicillamine may be of benefit. [source]


Prospective open pilot study on the use of ciclosporin for feline allergic skin disease

JOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, Issue 8 2006
C. Noli
Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of ciclosporin in cats with allergic skin disease. Methods: Ten cats with signs of allergic skin disease were administered ciclosporin daily at a dose of 3ˇ6 to 8ˇ3 mg/kg for one month. None of these cats had previously responded to a hypoallergenic diet trial, and all animals had previously been treated with endectoparasiticidal drugs, with no improvement two weeks before entering the trial. On days 0 and 30, owners assessed pruritus with a visual analogue scale, and veterinarians evaluated cutaneous lesions. Results: All the cats had pruritus and erythema, five had alopecia, two had an eosinophilic plaque, one had miliary dermatitis and two had both alopecia and an eosinophilic plaque. Good or excellent improvement was observed in 40 per cent of cats for pruritus, 57 per cent of cats for alopecia and 60 per cent of cats for erythema. A significant decrease in mean scores was observed for pruritus only, while for erythema and alopecia, it was close to being significant (P<0ˇ052). Clinical Significance: Ciclosporin may be helpful in symptomatically treating signs of feline allergic skin disease. However, it is important to remember that ciclosporin is not licensed for use in cats. [source]


Cartilage grafts in dorsal nasal augmentation of traumatic saddle nose deformity: A long-term follow-up,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 11 2009
Johnny Mao MD
Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: To document the long-term advantages and disadvantages of cartilage grafts used to correct traumatic saddle nose deformity. Additionally, to demonstrate functional improvement and cosmetic satisfaction with the use of this graft. Study Design: Retrospective chart review and prospective follow-up telephone survey of 20 patients after dorsal augmentation of saddle nose deformity secondary to trauma. Methods: This is a single-surgeon, single-institution investigation within an academic tertiary care medical center. All patients presented for correction of saddle nose deformity after trauma, and cartilage grafts were used for augmentation of the dorsum. Minimum postoperative follow-up period of 1 year was required. A modified and expanded Nasal Obstructive Symptoms Evaluation survey, which included questions pertaining to the appearance of their nose, was used to assess both functional and cosmetic changes after surgery. Results: Only 1 of the 20 patients was dissatisfied with the overall outcome. Three (15%) were extremely satisfied, 12 (60%) were very satisfied, three (15%) were somewhat satisfied, and one (5%) was indifferent. In terms of function, four (20%) experienced excellent relief in nasal obstruction, five (25%) moderate relief, four (20%) mild relief, and seven (35%) noted no difference. Regarding cosmesis, two (10%) noted excellent improvement, three (15%) moderate improvement, nine (45%) mild improvement, and five (25%) noted no significant change. One (5%) patient reported worsening due to tip edema. Mean follow-up time was 6.8 years. Conclusions: Autogenous cartilage grafts are useful in the correction of mild to moderate traumatic saddle nose deformity. The graft is readily available, preserves long-term structural stability, and achieves functional and cosmetic satisfaction in most patients. Laryngoscope, 2009 [source]